L-lysine is classified as an essential amino acid for humans and
must be supplied in the diet. The male adult’s daily requirement is
12 mg per kg of body weight. It is extremely rare for a diet to
contain insufficient quantities of lysine. Vegetarians who follow a
macrobiotic diet and athletes who exercise vigorously on a frequent
basis must take care to obtain sufficient L-lysine. Beans, peas and
lentils are the best source of lysine.The most predominant benefit of L-lysine is for treatment of mouth
and genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus, as well as
shingles caused by herpes zoster viruses. Taking L-lysine can speed
recovery time and reduce the chance of recurrent breakouts of
herpes infection. It’s important to note that the effects of taking
L-lysine on a regular, long-term basis are not known. Good results
can be seen by initiating supplementation during the beginning
phases of a herpes simplex episode.Lysine is also used as a
neutralizer for analgesic antipyretics such as acetylsalicylic acid
and ibuprofen and for the synthesis of antihypertensive agents.
Other uses include parenteral and enteral nutrition and as a
component of sports nutrition products.L-lysine is manufactured by fermentation from carbohydrate sources.
L-lysine monohydrochloride is obtained by neutralizing with
hydrochloric acid.